Philippines: Mass Evacuations and Widespread Disruptions
More than 10,000 residents in northern and central Luzon have relocated to schools and community centers serving as temporary shelters. Officials warn of potentially catastrophic floods, landslides, and power outages.
Wind speeds reached 215 kilometers per hour on September 22, 2025, with gusts hitting 265 kilometers per hour, according to the national weather agency.
Ragasa is expected to make landfall around 3pm over the Babuyan Islands, located approximately 740 kilometers south of Taiwan. The islands are home to roughly 20,000 people.
Government offices and schools in Manila and across 29 provinces closed Monday morning.
Ferry and flight services are cancelled throughout affected regions. Hospitals in Cagayan province have been placed on alert. Local officials stress that residents in coastal and low-lying areas should move to higher ground.
Storm surges may reach heights above three meters, particularly threatening the Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
Regional Impact: Taiwan and Southern China
Typhoon Ragasa’s wide circulation has brought heavy rains and strong winds to eastern Taiwan. Nature trails closed and ferry routes were suspended.
Officials in China’s Guangdong province have urged local populations to prepare for major disruptions. The typhoon is forecast to impact coastal areas by September 24, 2025.
Shenzhen city officials are preparing to evacuate 400,000 people from flood-prone zones, the BBC reported.
Mainland Chinese authorities expect rain and strong winds beginning September 24, 2025. This is nearly two days ahead of the typhoon’s current path over the Philippines.
Hong Kong: Airport Closure and Flight Cancellations
Hong Kong International Airport will halt all passenger flights for 36 hours from 8pm on September 23, 2025 until 8am on September 25, 2025. Authorities expect hurricane-force winds up to 220 kilometers per hour and intense rainfall.
This marks the longest airport closure in Hong Kong’s recent history.
About 700 flights will be cancelled starting Tuesday evening. All schools in Hong Kong will close for two days.
The Hong Kong Observatory is monitoring Ragasa closely and will raise typhoon warning signals as the system advances. Disruptions are set to last through most of Wednesday, with only limited flights allowed if conditions permit.
